Multiple Sclerosis & Physical Therapy: Regaining Strength, Balance, and Control

Introduction

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can feel like a rollercoaster—unpredictable symptoms, flare-ups, and fatigue can impact your quality of life in ways that are hard to explain. But there’s hope in movement. 🌟

One of the most effective tools to manage MS symptoms and maintain independence is Physical Therapy (PT). Whether you’re newly diagnosed or living with MS for years, working with a physical therapist can help you move better, feel stronger, and even slow disease progression.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the vital role of physical therapy in MS, including specific goals, treatment techniques, common exercises, and what you can expect at each stage of your journey.

👩What Is Physical Therapy for MS?

Physical therapy is a rehabilitative treatment that focuses on helping people move and function better in their daily lives. For those with MS—a disease that disrupts signals between the brain and body—PT is more than just exercise. It’s about retraining the nervous system, rebuilding strength, and learning adaptive techniques for improved independence.

Common Physical Therapy Goals for MS:

Improve muscle strength and flexibility
Restore or maintain balance and coordination
Reduce spasticity and muscle stiffness
Boost endurance and energy levels
Enhance mobility and walking
Prevent falls and injuries
Maintain functional independence
Train with mobility aids (cane, walker, etc.)

🧠 Why Physical Therapy Matters in MS

MS symptoms vary significantly from person to person. Some experience numbness and fatigue, while others struggle with balance, tremors, or partial paralysis. Because MS can affect multiple areas of the brain and spinal cord, it’s important to customize therapy to each person’s symptoms and limitations.

Physical therapy is backed by research showing it can:

✅ Improve mobility and gait
✅ Reduce fatigue
✅ Strengthen postural control
✅ Delay disability progression
✅ Improve quality of life and mental well-being

A study published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal found that regular physical therapy improved balance and reduced fall risk in patients with relapsing-remitting MS over a 6-month period.

🧩 Symptoms Physical Therapy Can Address

Let’s break down some MS symptoms that physical therapists can help manage:

⚡ Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms in MS. PT programs can include energy conservation techniques and graded exercise therapy to rebuild stamina without overexertion.

🦵 Spasticity and Muscle Weakness

Stretching routines and neuromuscular re-education can reduce muscle stiffness, while strength training helps regain muscle control and tone.

⚖️ Balance and Coordination Issues

Vestibular training, core exercises, and gait drills are key to improving balance and preventing falls—a common issue for those with MS.

🚶Gait Abnormalities

Whether it’s drop foot or dragging one leg, PT can correct walking patterns through assistive devices, orthotics, or focused movement training.

🧍 Posture and Core Stability

Postural exercises improve alignment, reduce back pain, and make it easier to perform everyday tasks like dressing or cooking.

🏥 What to Expect in a Physical Therapy Session

Every PT journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed physical therapist trained in neurological conditions. Here’s what typically happens:

🩺 Initial Assessment

Your therapist will evaluate:

Muscle strength and tone
Joint flexibility
Range of motion
Gait and balance
Fatigue levels
Functional goals

They’ll also ask about your flare-up history, medication, and any current limitations.

📝 Customized Plan

After evaluation, the therapist will create a personalized exercise plan targeting your specific symptoms and goals. It may include:

Stretching and flexibility training
Aerobic conditioning (low-impact biking, treadmill)
Resistance exercises
Balance drills (e.g., standing on one foot)
Functional training (e.g., getting in and out of a car)
Use of equipment like resistance bands or wobble boards

🤸 Ongoing Sessions

Depending on your MS type (relapsing-remitting, primary progressive, etc.), frequency of flare-ups, and baseline strength, you may attend PT sessions 1–3 times per week, either at a clinic, hospital, or at home.

Therapists often adapt plans as your condition changes, ensuring continued progress without burnout.

🏠 Home Exercises: Keeping the Momentum Going

Consistency is key. Your PT will likely give you a home exercise program to practice between sessions. This might include:

Seated leg lifts or marching
Wall push-ups
Gentle yoga, pilates or stretching
Step-ups
Core stabilization with a small ball
Arm exercises with light weights
Want to train at home? Click here.

🔁 Repetition helps your nervous system form new pathways and maintain function.

🧘Integrative Therapies Often Combined with PT

🌿 Yoga & Pilates

Improve flexibility, breathing, and posture. Especially helpful for managing fatigue and stress.

🏊Aquatic Therapy

Water reduces strain on joints and nerves, making it easier to exercise with less pain and better mobility.

💃 Dance Therapy or Tai Chi

Boosts coordination, rhythm, and mental focus in a fun, low-pressure environment.

These methods also enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.

🦽 Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment

Physical therapists are trained to assess when mobility aids are necessary. Depending on your needs, they may recommend:

Canes or quad canes
Walkers or rollators
Ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) for foot drop
Wheelchairs or scooters
Transfer boards for easier transitions

They’ll teach you how to use them properly to improve safety, posture, and confidence💡 Want online stores with useful tools for people with MS? Click here and here.

📉 What Happens Without Physical Therapy?

Skipping PT or delaying rehab can contribute to:

🚫 Increased risk of falls
🚫 Muscle wasting
🚫 Joint contractures (stiffening)
🚫 Reduced independence
🚫 Higher rates of depression due to inactivity

A 2020 review in NeuroRehabilitation showed that patients with MS who remained physically inactive had more rapid disability progression and poorer mental health compared to those involved in regular PT.

💬 Real-Life Testimonial

“Before physical therapy, I was scared to walk more than a block. Now, with my walker and new strength exercises, I walk my dog every day. I feel like I got part of my life back.”
— Marie, 42, living with MS for 6 years

Stories like Marie’s are not uncommon—and they highlight just how powerful PT can be when done with care, encouragement, and consistency.

🧑Choosing the Right Physical Therapist

Look for a therapist who is:

✔️ Experienced in neurological conditions
✔️ Patient, communicative, and willing to adapt
✔️ Certified in neurorehabilitation (e.g., NCS or MSCS credentials)
✔️ Able to collaborate with your broader care team

You can find qualified therapists through referrals from your neurologist, MS support organizations, or your local hospital rehab center.

✅ Tips for Making the Most of Physical Therapy

🗓️ Stick to your schedule—consistency builds progress
📝 Keep a symptom journal to track improvements
🥤 Stay hydrated and well-rested before sessions
🧘 Practice mindfulness to manage frustration or setbacks
💬 Communicate openly with your therapist about pain or fatigue

Physical therapy isn’t just about what your body does—it’s about how your mind, motivation, and goals align to support your journey.

🧾 Conclusion: PT Is Power for People with MS

Living with multiple sclerosis presents unique physical and emotional challenges. But you don’t have to face them alone—or standing still. 🌀

Physical therapy is one of the most powerful tools in your MS care plan. It can improve your independence, help you fight fatigue, rebuild your strength, and bring back joy in movement. Whether you're stretching at home, walking on a treadmill, or relearning how to balance, every step counts.

So if you’ve been hesitating to try PT—or fell off your routine—this is your sign. Talk to your neurologist, get a referral, and start reclaiming your body’s potential. 💪💙

📚 References

Dalgas, U., & Stenager, E. (2012). Exercise and disease progression in multiple sclerosis: Can exercise slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis? Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders, 5(2), 81–95.
Learmonth, Y. C., et al. (2013). The effects of exercise training on walking mobility in multiple sclerosis: A meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 94(9), 1628–1634.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (n.d.). www.nationalmssociety.org
Kalron, A., et al. (2020). Effects of physical activity on mobility, fatigue, and quality of life in MS patients. NeuroRehabilitation, 46(3), 367–374.